Best Motorcycle Jacks, Lifts & Lift Tables Reviewed

When it comes to performing regular maintenance and repairs on your motorcycle, you often need to approach your bike from the right angle.

In most cases, that means lifting your bike so that you can efficiently work on its internal and external components.

However, you shouldn't just prop your valuable motorbike up on any old supports. Instead, if you want to elevate your bike safely, you should always use a motorcycle jack, lift, or table.

Though motorcycle jacks, lifts, and tables each operate in a slightly different manner, each makes it easy to elevate your bike without putting yourself at risk for injury.

Like jacks and lifts for other motor vehicles, however, they are not always built with the utmost attention to detail. 

As such, all motorcycle riders need to read through my guide and learn what to look for in a high-quality motorcycle jack, lift, or table that won’t break the bank.

Features to Look for in a Good Motorcycle Lift

Types of Motorcycle Lift Jacks

There are several types of motorcycle lift jacks to choose from on today's market, so be sure you know about each class before committing to a particular model. This includes knowing about mechanical lift jacks, such as scissor and screw jacks, which are considered the most basic type of motorcycle lifting device. These devices often require the most physical input to operate, but also tend to be the most affordable in turn.

Hydraulic lifts are also popular when it comes to floor jacks. These models use a hydraulic cylinder to raise and maintain the elevation of a motorcycle, even if the bike in question is more substantial than most. These models tend to be more expensive, though, but are far easier to operate in turn.

Lift tables are also used in many motorcycle shops, both professional and amateur. They often incorporate either a mechanic lifting mechanism or an air lifting mechanism, the latter of which uses compressed air to raise and balance a load. Many bike shops also keep a set of wheel lift stands handy, which takes far less time to set up when it comes to jobs that only require the user to lift the bike by a few inches.

Max Lifting Weight (Capacity) & Height (Working Height Range)

Always make sure to check your prospective motorcycle jack's lifting capacity before adding it to your shortlist. That's because a jack that is not rated hold bike's above its max lifting weight may fail unexpectedly and put you in harm's way. By the same virtue, you should also double-check your prospective lift's working height range. This is to ensure that you'll be able to work on your bike at a comfortable height that is within the lift's safe operational range.

Durability/Lift Construction

Naturally, you’ll want to pick out a jack or lift that is built from extra durable materials. After all, you are going to be loading so very precious (and heavy) cargo onto its loading platform regularly. Don’t overlook minor details like the material the bolts on a lift or jack are made from, either. These tension points can take a lot of wear over time, so it is in your best interest to ensure that they are up to the task ahead.

Ease of Use & Easy Storage

Storing your new jack or lift between uses is essential, especially if you have only a limited amount of space available in your garage or workshop. You should be sure to appraise your prospective jack's method of storage before investing in it. Some jacks and lifts are stationary by nature, which makes them harder to move from place to place. Others are portable and incorporate a set of built-in wheels. Still, others are fully collapsible and can be stored underneath other pieces of motorcycle maintenance equipment.

Price & Warranty

Finally, you should make sure you are getting as much value as possible for your money when it comes time to invest in a jack or lift. Be sure to shop around online, as this is usually the best way to ensure that you are getting a good deal from your favorite online retailer. Also, be sure to account for the value of a lasting warranty. After all, that kind of warranty could end up saving you a lot of money down the line if your chosen model doesn't meet your expectations or breaks down unexpectedly.

1. Extreme Max 5001.5044

Let’s start off with the top pick for best motorcycle jack that is most likely to serve the majority of your home DIY or professional repair shop needs. Yes, the Extreme Max 5001.5044 is a solid piece of motorcycle elevation equipment that is built from durable, heavy-duty steel and is capable of lifting a 1,100 lbs. (or smaller) bike up to 14 inches off the ground.

This model's scissor-style lifting mechanism also includes a self-braking component that prevents sudden (and potentially hazardous) collapses.Speaking of keeping safety at the forefront, the Extreme Max 5001.5044 features textured rubber padding across its entire table-like platform.

2. APlusLift MT1500X 1

Another top of the range option that should receive your full consideration is the APlusLift MT1500X 1. This lift table has a lot to offer in terms of customization, especially across its 20" lifting platform. In fact, that same table can be extended in three phases until it is a whopping 128", including its approach ramp. With that kind of space, it should be no surprise that this lift table can hold bikes up to 1,500 lbs. nearly 15 inches off the ground.

3. STKUSA 1100

I usually try to save money where I can when I’m working on my motorcycle. That’s why I know I’m not alone when it comes to looking for the best value for money option when it comes to motorcycle elevation equipment. Fortunately, the STKUSA 1100 fits this bill with an affordable price tag around $60 while remaining available at a variety of locations online. This jack is relatively compact, too, at only 3.75 inches when entirely collapsed. 

Even though this is easily one of the cheapest models in this collection, the STKUSA 1100 certainly isn’t cheap when it comes to productivity. For example, this model’s rubberized deck surface prevents metal-on-metal contact that would otherwise harm your bike’s finish.

This same platform material prevents corrosion from oil and grease, which often causes other budget brand jacks to degrade in short order. Apart from motorcycles, this jack can also be used to elevate some smaller ATVs and dirt bikes, which just adds to its overall usefulness.

4. Black Widow MC-JACK

While I can see a few models that deserve this award, I do think the Black Widow MC-JACK is plenty deserving of the mantle of best portable floor jack in this collection. That’s because this model is ultra-lightweight at 18.5 lbs. while still being able to lift 1,100 lbs. bikes up to 16.25 inches. In other words, you could easily pack up this unit and take it with you on the road so that you and your biking pals are always ready to make repairs on the road.

At first glance, I would have guessed that the Black Widow MC-JACK was built from a lightweight metal to allow for this degree of portability. But instead, this unit’s manufacturer simply added a powder-coated finish that allowed an otherwise weaker steel composite stand up to the wear and tear of motorcycle maintenance. These same manufacturers made it surprisingly easy to crank up this jack using only its hex socket handle.

5. Extreme Max 5001.5047

Next up is the best compact motorcycle jack, which certainly describes the Extreme Max 5001.5047. While compressed, this jack is streamlined at only 3-5/8 inches. But from there, this jack can be extended to a full 16.6 inches with a 1,100 lbs. bike on board. Should you only need an inch or two of lift, though, this model also includes removable dual-frame adapters that make it a breeze to perform quick repairs on both cruisers and touring motorcycles.

One thing that bothers me with many other motorcycle jacks is their lack of attention to detail. I don’t have that issue with the Extreme Max 5001.5047, though, because its manufacturer remembers to build their unit with welded base brackets that allow for permanent mounting. Perhaps more importantly, this model comes with a 2-year warranty that you may need to call upon if this unit’s slightly weaker frame begins to bend after a year or two of use.

6. Venom Wheel Dual

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that the Venom Wheel Dual Lift Stands don’t include a ton of information about them in their listing. But take my word for it – I’ve used these stands before, and I can confidently say that they are the best motorcycle wheel lift stands on the market today. Each stand is built with heavy-duty steel that allows them to bear weight and remain useful for year after year of use, either in a home garage or in a professional shop.

7. VIVOHOME Steel

Sometimes, getting pro-tier lifting equipment will cost you a pretty penny, and in the case of the VIVOHOME Steel Hydraulic Lift, you will have to pay a little extra to get the best hydraulic lift for home garage. But even so, you get what you pay for in the form of a hydraulic jack that is built from ultra-durable steel and is capable of supporting 1,500 lbs.

You can also be sure that your motorcycle will be fully secured once it is loaded onto this model's platform as well, given that it is covered in a special non-slip rubber coating. Getting the VIVOHOME Steel Hydraulic Lift up to its fully extended 14.5-inch height isn't a hassle at all, as can sometimes be the case with hydraulic lifts.

8. OTC 1545

Here’s a question I hear at the shop all the time – “what’s the best motorcycle lift for a Harley Davidson?” If you’ve been wondering the same, then wonder no longer! It’s the OTC 1545, for sure. At its core, this model can lift a Harley that has been fully modified and weighs up to 1,500 lbs. - a full 16.75 inches off the ground. What's more, this model's removable handle ensures that you'll be able to gain 360-degree access to every side of your hog.

I always take extra care when a client brings their Harley into my shop, and I encourage you to do the same with your own bike. The OTC 1545 can certainly make that easier, given that it includes two ratcheting tie-down points that can prevent all undesirable wobbling. This model’s rear caster wheels also lock on demand, thus ensuring that the whole unit will remain stationary when it’s time to get down to business.

9. Powerbuilt 620422E

Professional motorcycle repair teams, take note – the Powerbuilt 620422E is the best heavy duty motorcycle triple lift jack for your shop. While I cannot recommend this pricy model to DIYers, professionals who don’t want to settle for any less than the best will feel right at home using this wheeled lift to elevate loads of up to 4,000 lbs. While I don’t expect that you’ll ever work on a bike of that size, it is good to know that this model’s durability and locking safety bar will be able to carry that weight without bending or failing.

The Powerbuilt 620422E also features a removable lift saddle and a set of padded lift rails, which I cannot say I've seen on its competitors before. Combined, these two components increase the contact area across this model's platform, which ensures maximum stability in turn. If you utilize this model's tie-down loops as well, you can be entirely confident that a bike on board won't move at all while you work on it.

10. Goplus Lift Table 300

Finally, I want to round out this collection with the Goplus Lift Table 300, which I believe is the best motorcycle lift table around. In many ways, no other lift table stands as tall as this model…literally. In fact, at the top of its lifting range, the Goplus Lift Table 300 can extend up to three feet in height, which is almost 3 times the average for lifting tables in its price range. As a tradeoff, though, this model can only bear 300 lbs. at a time, which may not be enough for some motorcycles.

If you’re worried about the Goplus Lift Table 300 becoming top-heavy, you're not alone. But this model's engineers thought of that in advance and included a locking bar mechanism that prevents accident lowering. This table's four feet also lack any wheels, so it won't scoot about at all with a load on board.

How Motorcycle Jacks, Lifts & Lift Tables Work

Motorcycle jacks and lifts operate differently from one another. A jack, for example, usually incorporates two or more lifting plates that can be activated through a manual interaction (such as a crank). Many lifts operate in a similar manner, though they typically utilize a larger, broader lifting platform. This is why they may also be known as a lift table by some manufacturers.

This short, informative video can also help you understand which type of lifting equipment is most appropriate for your motorcycle or bike.

Using Motorcycle Lifting Tools – Safety Tips

Learning to use your new motorcycle lifting equipment safely and effectively is an important step in the DIY or professional maintenance process. That’s why you should always read through your unit’s entire user’s manual before setting it up or loading on your motorcycle. Specifically, be sure to learn about how your unit requires a bike to be loaded, how much weight it can hold, and how it secures a bike once it is loaded on.

In many cases, it is in your best interest to get an extra set of hands when it's time to load your motorcycle onto a lift or jack. Your assistant can ensure that your bike remains stable while you pull it onto and secure it to the lifting platform. Though it may go without saying, you should also always work on flat, even ground to prevent your jack or lift from tilting while encumbered. Also, never load your motorcycle onto the platform while it is operational.

Of course, there’s even more to know about using your new motorcycle lifting equipment safely and effectively. This handy guide will take you through the steps of using most common types of motorcycle lifting equipment, while this video with also show you a standard model's operation through the eyes of a seasoned mechanic.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How can I lift a motorcycle without a stand?

While such a task may be feasible, it is firmly not recommended. Motorcycles are heavy by nature, which makes them dangerous if they are improperly secured. As such, motorcyclists should avoid elevating their bikes through any DIY method that does not involve a proper jack or lift.

Can you change motorcycle oil without a stand?

Some motorcycle models allow you to change their oil without the use of an auxiliary stand or lift. This includes models with a central lift stand, which can balance the entire unit and allow for easy access to the oil pan. However, most larger models do require a stand to successfully and safely drain their used oil.

How can I lift the front wheel of my motorcycle?

When it comes to lifting only one wheel or another on your motorcycle, a paddock stand is usually your best option. These units are affordable and provide just a small amount of lifting. They also slide into place easily without requiring any pressure to be exerted on the bike's mainframe.

What is the main difference between a motorcycle jack and a car jack?

There are many, many differences between these two jack types, not least that they are rated for far different weight capacities. Both types of jacks also use different methods of securing their load that would not be appropriate for the other type of motor vehicle. As such, these types of jacks should not ever be used interchangeably.

Are motorcycle stands universal?

Apart from differing capacities when it comes to weight, motorcycle stands can be universal in terms of their use. Different types of jacks and stands are better suited to different types of motorcycles and motorbikes.

What are the best motorcycle jack manufacturers?

There are numerous trusted brands in the motorcycle jack production business today. However, a mechanic like me tends to trust Extreme Max, APlusLift, and Powerbuilt above all others.

Can I use a motorcycle lift on an ATV?

In some cases, yes, you may be able to lift an ATV with a motorcycle jack. However, you should always check your lifting equipment’s weight before doing so while also ensuring that the ATV can be safely secured while it is onboard. I recommend the APlusLift MT1500X 1 if you decide to pursue this route.

Conclusion

Now that you know how motorcycle lifting equipment operates and what a high quality model looks like, you should be ready to order a motorcycle jack or lift that meets your needs. Better yet, using my numerous reviews, you should be able to find a model that provides an extra level of quality and performance without breaking the bank.

If you still haven’t committed to a motorcycle jack, though, I want you to give the Extreme Max 5001.5044 your full consideration. This model is very affordable for at-home motorcycle maintenance and is built from reinforced steel that can safely hold and stabilize up to 1,100 lbs. of motorcycle. Plus, all you need to operate it is a socket wrench and a little elbow grease!